We're expecting to see the redesigned 911 unveiled later this week, but Autocar's spies have caught the next iteration of the GT3 RS running at the Nurburgring ahead of its unveiling later next year. As is often the case with Porsche, it's hard to discern any substantive differences between this newest version of the GT3 RS and the current model, but when the new 911 makes its debut, it'll be wearing a redesigned front bumper, along with LED headlights and taillights, all of which will carry over to the GT3 RS.Granted, these subtle changes aren't that compelling, but Porsche has big plans for what's underneath the new model's sheet metal. The GT3 RS will supposedly be packing another 40 hp over the outgoing model, developing 450 hp at peak output. However, there's been considerable debate about whether or not the GT3 RS' engine will be equipped with direct-injection, considering it's traditionally been based off the GT1 racecar. Harnessing those extra ponies will be a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission (Porsche Doppel Kupplung or PDK in Porsche parlance) that will provide seamless and ultra-quick shifts through steering wheel-mounted paddles. Purists might complain about a lack of a manual gearbox, but that's what purists do. So expect a manual version to be an option when it goes on sale in late 2009 or early 2010.
[Source: Autocar]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Michael @ Jun 3rd 2008 10:13AM
"Porsche Doppel Kupplung"
Awesome name.
nagmashot @ Jun 3rd 2008 1:43PM
Porsche Doppel Kupplung exist since the 1980´s...
Porsche is the comapny that made dual clutch trannys working, unfortunatily they never equiped street vehicles with it.
Every dual clutch system of today (VW, Audi, Nissan, Mitsubishi, BMW, Volvo etc.) is based on the Porsche development.
PDK was successfully used by Porsche in racing ..and by Audi in the WRC Group B Audi S1 Evo 2 were the PDK allowed the S1 rocket starts in 2.6s 0-62mph.
Porsche´s financiel trouble in the 1980´s and 1990´s stoped them to market PDK 20years earlyer.. the risk was to high to fail..
Rob @ Jun 3rd 2008 10:21AM
They are gonna need the PDK in the Turbo if they want to gain back some of those seconds against the GT-R.
DCragtop @ Jun 3rd 2008 10:21AM
it better watch out for that Blue HHR SS automatic!
mk @ Jun 3rd 2008 10:42AM
Put that drivetrain into a wide-body Cayman S, with a limited slip diff, and tuned up suspension...
THAT would be a fantastic car.
The 911 GT3 is stellar as-is, do not get me wrong... but imagine a mid-engine layout instead of longer, heavier, and rear-pendulum engined...
Mobius_1 @ Jun 3rd 2008 11:27AM
Or heck, even the 911 Turbo drivetrain!
Yes, the 911 is an iconic car and platform, but maybe there just isn't enough to be gotten out of it, look at what Nissan's done with a clean slate, and what Audi's done with a clean slate.
Porsche, time to move on
mk @ Jun 3rd 2008 1:04PM
I don't know if I would go that far. I think the 911 still has a place.
I think they should let the 911 soldier on as the 2+2. I'd love to see them go with the mid-engined chassis as the 2-seat sports car, both above and below the 911's price points, basically by applying the performance equipment that they have to the cayman's chassis, and perhaps updating the bodywork on the top-end models, kind of half-way between where the Cayman is now, and the Carrera GT used to be.
If they modify the rear half of the mid-engined chassis, perhaps they could even fit their V8 engines in it, as well as the boxer 6s.
A 911 turbo engine in a Cayman is interesting... but hot-running. not exactly a lot of cooling space under there, and it isn't exactly right inside the rear bumper cover, it is really underneath the middle of the car.
Personally, a naturally-aspirated 450hp flat six seems like a fantastic option.
I love turbos, but there is something to be said for the throttle response and purity of a naturally aspirated engine that revs freely, and 450hp is A LOT.
In a mid-engined handling chassis that is relatively light weight, and purpose built to be a sports car... seems sublime.
I am sure the 911 GT3 is sublime, as well, but the Cayman chassis seems like the more optimized by design. No extra length for rear seats (even if the seats themselves are gone, the space and weight of more bodywork is still there.) no extra rear weight bias or inertia effects, or overhang for a rear-engine configuration.
Porsche has a gem in the cayman's chassis, IMHO, it is unfortunate that they refuse to let it parallel the 911's engine options.
Corey L @ Jun 3rd 2008 12:11PM
"Purists might complain about a lack of a manual gearbox, but that's what purists do."
FTW!
Big Rocket @ Jun 3rd 2008 2:24PM
Edmunds Inside Line recently tested 6 different sports cars, on a race track and on winding mountain roads. Guess what? The most purist car came in 2nd last place. "... measured against the best cars modern technology [can] produce, Colin Chapman's simpler-is-better ethos is beginning to show itself for what it is: old." Enough said.
Source:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=126453
Robert112 @ Jun 3rd 2008 2:59PM
That technology is just making up for how bad someone sucks at driving.
mk @ Jun 3rd 2008 3:12PM
Have to kind of agree with Robert,
If the driver learned to drive a coddling electronic nannied car... he may not have the skill to truly drive a purer car.
I am not saying that I do, mind you...
But if someone can drive without electronic nannies, then are the nannies really needed?
Traction control, stability control being the two big ones. ABS can be somewhat included if we are talking about the track, but ABS is helpful on the street.
But I don't count actual drivetrain tech, like AWD. AWD is an advantage even when someone is IN control of the car, not just a "save your bacon" option when you get out of control.
I don't go so far to say that electronic systems are invalid. Most people aren't fantastic drivers, perhaps even me, although I take it seriously.
But a fantastic driver that can drive without stability systems can drive a car with them. The reverse is not necessarily true. Someone who relies on stability control to save their bacon has no such safety net without it.
But a well designed, pure vehicle should be eminently driveable by a serious driver up to it's design limits, without requiring stability programs, selective braking, or engine throttle cutoff superceding driver input.
There is something to be said for having to hone your skill to keep yourself out of trouble, rather than relying on the computer to do it for you.
Big Rocket @ Jun 3rd 2008 5:52PM
Robert & MK: Electronic aids compensate for the errors of bad drivers, no doubt about it, because that's by and large what they are designed to do. At the same time, they also inspire confidence in good drivers, and encourage them to operate in a larger performance envelope. That's pretty much the verdict of the Edmunds article I mentioned above, especially in regards to their review of the Lotus Elise.
carsteve @ Jun 4th 2008 2:58PM
@ mk,
Great comments. It's unfortunate that advancing auto technology is essentially there to account for increasing public stupidity/lack-of-driving-skill. However, the electronic nannies are nice, even for the skilled folk who just want to go from A to B once in a while. It's too bad not everyone is coming from the skilled-side of things......our roads would be much safer.